Hello there, I'm back :) Thanks for everyone reading and still sticking with this story, I hope it's still as good for you I love all your reviews, they truly make my day...

The story is slowly coming to an end though... however, I have other ideas for stories if you're interested I could share with you after this one is over.

Also, if anyone is reading Fare Thee Well, I will update soon, it was just a busy time for me.

So, anyway, I hope you like this chapter, I actually had some trouble bringing it together, but it eventually turned out how I wanted it.

And, MadeULQQk2 welcome back, I actually missed your reviews, I love reading your expectations, you're mostly good at that, you make excellent assumptions :) so, thanks for reviewing chapters as you went, and hope you still find this entertaining.

So, here we go, it's the zero-hour.

P.S. Sorry if there are legal mistakes here, I studied law but in my country which is totally different, so, I did my research and I kept the mention down to a minimum, so, if there's still something unrealistic, that's totally on my lack of knowledge of the procedures and stuff like that...

This song is by Lauv (ft. Julia Michales)

21. There's no way

It was the big day, the day where everything should wrap up, and Lucas woke up feeling optimistic about the day, work-wise, they have done a great job, their new plan was complete and it was perfect if someone asked him, and the thing is… Fancy doesn't even know they changed their plan and they think they have the upper hand… he woke up having a strong feeling it's gonna be a good day.

Peyton wasn't feeling any different than him, not work-wise and not relationship-wise, they were going to talk today, tonight, hopefully while celebrating saving the company and starting a new era… and she had a feeling it's going to be literally a new era, with everything including her relationship with the most annoying man she's ever known, yet, somehow the most caring, passionate and the sexiest one.

It was supposed to be a perfect day; however, they sadly had to learn that perfection doesn't exist…

XxXx

It was either them, or Fancy, they were the only two competing companies to take MCA's deal of collaborating to produce a new line, and since Fancy stole their first designs, and since they busted their asses working on making newer and better ones, they were pretty confident they will be saving their company today.

Peyton walked alongside Lucas to the conference room where they'd present their whole plan with Nathan, Brooke, and Millicent holding the mannequins with the two most unique designs as a sample.

Peyton was nervous, she'd be the one handling all the talking… Lucas was there to help of course, but, even though she had faith in what they prepared, it was the idea of making or breaking the future of the company that had her trembling inside. She looked at Lucas to her left and saw the determined look on his face, she had to admit that it did give her some closure, because at least he didn't look as nervous as her.

She also held some admiration for him for the fact that he was able to only concentrate at the matter in hands which is saving the company, she wondered if he was able to put aside any other personal matter say their upcoming conversation for example, especially that he seemed eager to hold it last night… she knew that she can't fully put it aside though, which was extremely unprofessional, but she didn't know how to quiet that part of her wanting to just be able to hold his hand then.

She didn't know if she looked that nervous, or if he was a mind-reader or what exactly gave her away, but next thing she knew he was leaning towards her and whispering, "Are you okay?"

She turned to look at him unsure how to answer that and he looked at her in response only to see through her nervousness, he impulsively reached for her hand and gave her a light squeeze, "It's gonna be fine."

It's crazy how that was all it took for her to regain most of her confidence back, the rest was up to her as she took a deep breath and nodded, "Yeah, I think it will."

"I know it will."

And just like that, she was focused, she knew what she had to do and it's not like she never spoke in front of someone or never took responsibility, on the contrary, that was almost all she ever does, and she only needed to remember that.

As for Lucas, well, that was another issue for another time, and apparently, she doesn't even have to worry seeing he didn't drop her hand after that light squeeze after all.

They stopped at the door and he took a deep breath, "Are you ready?" He turned to the rest of the team.

"Hell yeah." Brooke nodded.

"Let's go kick some ass." Nathan said as Lucas nodded and gave Peyton one last reassuring look and she seemed to be giving him a similar one before they went in.

And kick ass they did, their presentation was solid, confident, and their whole plan, budget, marketing, designs and everything was harmonized and taken care of, and sure enough, even though Fancy had some of their old designs in their presentation, and even though they did look surprised when they saw their changed plan, but, they still made a good job and had a different plan than theirs so they didn't steal entirely everything, however, they were definitely not better than them…

They were pretty confident they landed it, that's why when MCA eventually picked Fancy it came off as an unpleasant shock.

It looked like they had their mind set up already, and it didn't take a genius to know there was some fishy business going on between them, Fancy definitely did everything they could to screw them over, including dirty business under the table… and the bottom line is, they lost, meaning they lost the whole company, there's no recovering from this, they took the risk and they put everything in it, and they knew from the start that this is it, that's why they gave it all they have.

Their only problem is that they didn't play it dirty!

They took it like they should, with a sport's spirit, but it was obvious everyone in that room knew exactly what was going on without having to phrase it verbally.

They had to go deliver the news then, Whitey, Keith, Larry, and Dan were all waiting for them to deliver the news. But, how could you deliver news that you can't even process? Lucas hated that moment, but it was part of what he signed up for, he can't run from it even though he knew his father is going to put the blame on them generally and him specifically.

No one has spoken on the way, they all were in pretty much shock, apart from the few exclamations they let out as they left the building just to make sense of an irrational situation, no one has said anything else on the ride back to their own now failed company.

They really did lose.

The moment they were told the decision, it was like time stopped, their ears were prepared for a certain set of words, their smiles were waiting for the happy ending to their hard work, and their brains were all set for relaxation after too much too stress, and all of this came shattering to the ground with the resentful decision that they actually didn't make it, the fate of their family business was in their hands, and they let it slip away…

They arrived; the door of the conference room was glaring at them as if daring them mockingly to walk throw it and announce their failure. This was probably Lucas' most dreaded moment of his life; admitting in front of his father that he failed after finally given the chance he has been asking for. Peyton knew that, and so, just like he held her hand upon entering the conference room at MCA earlier, she reached for his as they walked towards yet another conference room.

It wasn't until they got in the room that Lucas retreated his hand from hers and she wished he didn't, she wanted to do this together and she didn't know why he didn't.

Lucas figured that the best way to do this is to get straight to it, there was no need to sugarcoat or to recite a prepared speech –because they didn't have one; they didn't count on needing it after all, but, they all knew it was going to be either a yes or a no, black or white, it shouldn't be a surprise… but of course it was,

"We lost." He said as he stood in front of all four elder men with the rest of his team lining up next to him.

He jaw clenched and his stomach flipped as he saw the color drain from their faces,

"We did everything…" Nathan added.

"But, we still lost. It's over." Lucas said and then Peyton knew why he let go of her hand; he's blaming himself, he's taking it upon his shoulders to carry the blame, it was obvious in his harsh direct words.

The others were at shock while receiving the news, they were waiting to hear good ones, and they didn't expect this to be the case,

"I know you did everything you could." Whitey was the first to wrap it around his head and give a nod, "You did a good job."

"They already had their decision." Brooke said, "They're in bed together."

"It wasn't a fair competition," Keith realized.

"No, it wasn't."

"But… but that means…" Dan uttered with dancing eyes trying to take it in as best as he can.

"The company is gone." Lucas confirmed, "We broke it." He added firmly before turning around to leave.

"Lucas, wait." Peyton said hurrying after him catching up with him a few steps away from the door, "Where are you going?"

"I don't think I have work to do today."

"Lucas, come on, we are all in this together."

"Just… leave me alone, okay?"

"Lucas…"

"No, I just need some time." He told her almost desperately and she stopped in her tracks feeling helpless as she watched him go.

She didn't know what to do, she didn't know if she should insist and join him, or if she should let him go for now… but she did know that if it was her, she'd want him to respect her wish and just have some time alone, so maybe that was the right thing to do now.

After all, who would process right and wrong correctly now?

Well, if she can't help him out directly with that, she's going to do what he did months ago when positions were traded, when she was the one ready to drop the whole game and let the company go down, then –even though they weren't at all on any good terms- he stood by her and made sure that neither of their parents bothered her while she needed time off to think.

And so, she turned around and re-entered the room again to speak for the both of them, after all, they were indeed all in this together, and it was her and Lucas specifically holding the fate of the company since this whole thing started from getting fake-married to convincing the CEOs in New York to give them a chance to finally handling the representation together, so, like it or not, they were a team, and if he doesn't feel he's in good shape right now to speak, she can be strong enough to carry the team for him.

And it wasn't a piece of cake, Larry and Dan sure weren't happy even though they tried hiding behind the mask of being parents before business-runners, however, thankfully, she wasn't handling them and their questions alone, as it turned out, Whitey was backing them up, he even went ahead and accused them of being the real reason behind it all when they were being too much pain to handle, he told them that they –Lucas, Peyton, Nathan, and Brooke- were only trying to right what they wronged in the first place and re-build what they wrecked.

Eventually, it was Whitey who called the rest of the day off and to go let it sink in and then meet again tomorrow to take care of everything that needs to be taken care of in the presence of the lawyer.

Now what?

It was an understanding that everyone felt lost, not knowing where to go now that everything is over in a heartbeat, usually by this time of the day, they're working like a honeybee to save the company, but now what to do when there's no company to be saved anymore?

Everybody started scattering and going their own way, Peyton knew that Nathan probably went to Haley, and she saw Brooke talking with Julian and they probably took off too, and not that she was interested in their company but she also noticed her dad and Dan were talking and she knew for a fact that Keith was already on his way to Karen's café.

And that left her bewildered.

If it was up to her, she wanted to follow Lucas and tell him it was not his fault, and that if it was then it's hers just as much as it is his, they were both with the same responsibilities. But, he said he needed time, and she really wanted to respect that, but at the same time, she also really wanted to be with him right now. For both of them.

This day was supposed to go a lot differently.

She eventually decided to go home, if he was there, then he most probably wants to be found and to talk. So she decided to walk and to drift a little of her route to pass by the river-court on her way for the same reason because that would be the obvious place he would be.

He wasn't at either, and she knew that he really needed not to be found now, so, she with a heavy heart busied herself with tidying up and cleaning around the house just to pass time and not lose her mind.

They all turned jobless today.

Along with every employee or worker who is surely depending on their job to adapt in life.

This was such a miserable fact to be dealing with, she hated that they let everyone down like that, and the thought alone was enough to get her tears blurring her vision while washing the already clean dishes in the kitchen before letting it go and going on a full crying session.

She spent a good portion of her evening curled in the kitchen floor sinking in her self-pity, after all, this morning, even though she was nervous but she expected to be celebrating right now, but instead, she was crying her heart out over the fact that a lot of people just went jobless right before the Christmas holidays.

It was when the darkness started creeping into the sky that she decided that both she and Lucas have enough darkness inside right now to be dealing with the one outside also on their own. She needed to find him.

She pulled herself together, and put on a jacket and left the house with just her phone and her keys and got in her car, driving away to nowhere in particular while ignoring the lightening in the sky followed by the thunderous sound indicating a storm coming up.

She decided to drive by the river-court again, something told her that he'd eventually go there, if he wasn't there, she's going to wait until he shows up, and she was thankful she decided to follow her gut, because this time around, she saw his figure sitting alone on the bleachers.

Knowing he's there allowed her heart to rest a bit, but seeing him sitting alone and obviously in a bad shape broke it all over.

She parked the car and got out, and even though he was aware he wasn't alone anymore, he made no sign of acknowledging her as she walked over silently and stood next to him, "Hey," she let out awkwardly.

"How'd you know I was here?" he asked her and she took his soft tone as a good sign as she sat down next to him.

"You love it here, don't you?" she shrugged and he looked at her, "What?"

He shook his head, "Nothing, it's just… I didn't know you know that."

Her features softened, "I guess there's a lot of things I know about you but didn't realize."

"I guess so." He said and took in a deep breath looking ahead again.

"I, um, I can go if you don't want me to…" she said awkwardly trailing off as he met her eyes once again with a ghost of a smile.

"Do you want to go?"

She couldn't but shake her head.

"And I don't want you to go."

She breathed out in relief, "I just thought you needed space…"

"Yet, you came here." He smiled.

"Yeah, I also thought enough is enough." She gave a small chuckle and he smiled shaking his head slightly.

He took another breath his smile fading, "We fucked up."

She nodded, "We are fucked up." she re-phrased it, "We did everything we could, Lucas."

"Not enough! If we did, we would have succeeded."

She frowned, "What do you think you could have done more?"

"I don't know! Figure it out, realize they must be collaborating already… work harder, convince them we're worthy."

"But, we already did, Lucas. We went to New York and convinced them we're worthy of the chance, and Fancy apparently thought we're such a big threat when they went ahead and stole our designs and plans, and then even further went and played unfairly. We're obviously better."

"Yeah, but what good is that? We still lost. Peyton, this company goes back to our grandparents, and then we just came in and lost it in a heartbeat with the first challenge."

"No, Lucas, the company was already going down and you know it… we were just doing CPR… and it failed."

"CPR?" he looked at her with a smile.

She shrugged, "Yeah, you're a writer, you know metaphors."

He chuckled wondering how she managed to get him to smile and chuckle since she got there when he spent the wholesome of his day with a frown, "Are you trying to convince me you don't feel bad?"

"What are you talking about? I feel awful." She said, "But, you are taking all the blame when you shouldn't, Luke." She said putting a hand on his shoulder, "We were all in it, not just you, and we all did all we can do, we gave it all we have, you know we did, especially you, Lucas…"

"Then why did this happen?"

"Sometimes life is unfair like that." She said softly squeezing his shoulder as she felt him relax under her touch. "It doesn't mean you did something wrong… it's just… what it is."

"People lost their jobs today." He shook his head.

She sighed and dropped her hand off his shoulder leaning her head on it instead, "I know."

"How are we going to live with that?"

"I don't know." She replied hearing the thunder roar once again, "But, we'll figure it out."

"I… I spent the whole day trying to make sense of it, but…"

She snuggled closer and hugged his arm resting her chin on his shoulder to be able to look at him, "I know you love the company, Lucas. I'm sorry."

He turned slightly to look at her, "Sorry for what?"

"That you are going through this."

"It's not your fault." He shook his head, "Besides, you said we're in it together, right?"

"Yes, we are."

"We are." He nodded.

It was silent between them for a while, but it was the comfortable one, for once, it just felt nice to not have to say anything in particular while she leaned her head on his shoulder still hugging his arm that was now resting on her knee.

"Thank you." Lucas said softly after a while.

"For what?"

"A lot of things… covering for me the other day… coming here now…"

"I wanted to be here." She clarified coyly, "Besides, it would have been no good if I let you take the blame for something you had absolutely nothing to do with." She said reminding him again that he shouldn't be beating himself up.

"Well, I went around and fucked it some other way, didn't I?" he chuckled nervously, "My dad is going to know he's been right all along either way."

"Hey," she pulled back just enough to let go of his arm and cup his face instead making him look at her, "Your dad and my dad can think whatever the hell they want… Luke, they have always been that way, and if they can't see that it's as much their fault as it is ours –if not even more- if they can't appreciate what we have done –what you have done, then screw them and their opinions."

He stared back at her in a faze; she managed to do it again, steal his heart all over, and amaze him with how much of an effect she can have on him with just a few words, a simple touch, and this look from her piercing green eyes.

"You're right." He let out barely above a whisper.

She smiled, "I know."

"You're perfect."

Her smile grew wider, "I'm not gonna argue with that." She said managing to draw his own smile.

A few seconds passed by without one of them attempting to change the position, which was enough to steer the whole situation into a whole new direction, and instead of being there for one another throughout the big loss of the morning, feelings were pulled when they realized they were too close with her cupping his face gently.

"Peyton…" he whispered out with no real purpose other than saying her name as he decided they weren't touching enough and slid his hands up to rest on her waist between her jacket and her shirt slightly pulling her towards him.

"Luke," she whispered back unconsciously biting on her lower lip, she let go and instead parted both her lips when he moved closer towards her and she thought she'd meet him halfway.

She didn't think they have had such a peaceful kiss before, there was always the feeling of uncertainty and the fear of rejection, yet overcome by feelings of attraction and passion. It's not like they were on solid grounds just yet, they did still have to talk, and they were supposed to be doing so tonight… however, the circumstances were definitely suiting for this kiss now, she knew both wanted it… needed it.

It was heating and getting needier by the second, between the way his grip was tightened over her waist pulling her as close as possible and her arms locking around his neck,

He found the will to pull back catching his breath, "Peyt… I'm sorry, I know we said we will talk…"

She shook her head, "We don't have to."

He frowned, "But-"

"It's been a long day, Lucas. Not today." She silenced him pushing forward to meet his lips again, and who was he to protest to that.

This time, it wasn't either of them that willingly broke the connection, but it was rather the pouring rain that suddenly followed the sound of thunder, they were already soaked wet within seconds when they pulled away looking at each other and laughing at the situation.

"I guess it's telling us to get a room." he smirked and she laughed.

"I don't mind."

"Come on," he said getting up and offering her a hand which she took as they walked over to his car much to her protesting,

"My car!"

"You left the roof stored; it's already wet!" he reasoned while she groaned, "Come on, I'll bring it back for you tomorrow."

"Fine." She said not sounding pleased while he chuckled shaking his head.

They were drenched to the core as they got home and skipped to their rooms leaving a trail of water behind them only separating at the rooms. She was eager to get into dry warm clothes, as she left a wet pile of clothes on the floor to take care of once she's warm again, and while she was pulling a warm pajama top over her head, the door opened without a warning,

She gasped, "Didn't you hear of knocking?"

It wasn't intentional, but he decided it was in his favor, as he smirked, "If I did, would you let me in while in your underwear?"

She gave a playful glare while quickly pulling on her sweatpants, "What no shorts today?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Shut up." she hissed, "What do you want anyway?"

"To catch you naked."

She gave him another glare while he chuckled,

"Fine, fine. I came to tell you I set up the fireplace, if you wanna come and get warm…"

She then seemed to forget she was pissed a second earlier as she smiled, "I forgot you have a fireplace."

"Sometimes I do too."

Heading downstairs, she found out that not only did he set the fireplace up, but he also had blankets ready to wrap around their bodies and two steaming cups of what seemed like hot chocolate.

Did she take that long while changing?

"When did you do all of this?"

"You take awfully long time to get changed, Peyton." He shook his head.

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do." He argued, "And I always wondered what was so time-consuming about removing an item and putting on another every damn morning since you came here."

"No way! I finish before you on many mornings."

"No, honey, I just learned to stay in my room longer instead of waiting forever by the door."

"You're exaggerating." She shook her head as she sat down on the comfy chair by the fireplace while he absentmindedly held her blanket for her to wrap around her body and handed her cup over before doing the same and settling on the opposite chair.

He gave her a pointed look letting her know that she already knows he's right and she childishly shook her head which made him chuckle dropping the topic as they fell into a comfortable silence.

It was strange how the mood was shifted 180 degrees than it was just an hour ago, she was crying on the kitchen floor while he was sinking in misery all alone… but now, it felt like a safe reassuring area for both of them.

"This is nice." She was the one to interrupt the silence as she commented softly, "A fireplace can come in handy sometimes on nights like this."

"That's what I thought when getting this place."

She put her empty cup on the table and let herself curl comfortably under the blanket on the big chair enjoying the warmth of the moment, both inside and outside. They weren't slightly touching, furthermore, they were on two different opposite chairs, yet, somehow, he was warming her, she felt cozy and relaxed, and she wondered if it was the same for him too as she looked at him and saw his face as calm as he could look, so, she decided that maybe he was too.

She let out a sigh of content letting her mind wander as she leaned her head back against the chair, Christmas vacation is rounding up, and being busy with the deal and everything, she didn't give it much thought, but maybe she should now, she, of course, have bought gifts, but as she realized now, she didn't get Lucas something, after all, they have always refused to acknowledge each other in this area, it was only their parents' first attempts to get them to get along buying gifts on their behalves but they sooner knew there's no point as both of them knew the truth anyway.

That didn't stop them from sometimes getting prank gifts of course. She remembered her last Christmas before leaving, the one in senior year, when she was opening presents, and it didn't take a genius for her to recognize his as soon as she opened it and found a piece of lingerie; on his defense, it was an ongoing joke at that time that she would be next in line to make a move on him. Thankfully though, she managed to hide it before any of the parents see it then and made sure to wipe the satisfied smirk off his face that lasted all of the holidays when she went ahead and took Pete up on his offer as the first thing she did on returning to school, he was one of his teammates who never got along with either him or Nathan and he had a thing for Peyton and asked her out a couple of times.

Although she didn't admit it then, but she did it just because she knew it'd annoy him, after all, Peyton was in his circle of friends, and she was letting Pete in it.

"What are you smiling at?" he asked her and her smile only widened,

She shrugged, "Remembering one of the times I kicked your ass."

"Lovely."

She giggled, "That's what we did!"

"Honey, I was never interested in kicking your ass." He smirked, "A plenty of other terms would be accurate."

Her cheeks reddened and it had nothing to do with the warmth continuing to creep up on them as she mumbled something incoherent that was supposed to be an insult to shut him up while he only laughed.

As silence fell again, she found her mind wandering once again planning on getting him a Christmas gift and she went on admiring his fireplace once again thinking that it's too perfect for Christmas decorations, maybe they should decorate? The thought left a funny feeling in her stomach, and it wasn't just the fact that she just thought about them as an item, or as cozy as getting Christmas decorations, but it was more of what the thought led to; thinking of kids running on Christmas morning to the tree right next to the fireplace to see what Santa brought them was priceless.

She was sure her face was holding a smile once again with her eyes closed getting as relaxed as possible and slowly letting her mind wander to more dreamy thoughts that she wasn't sure were still thoughts or dreams.

He was lost in his own thoughts about his day and how crazy it is to start where it did and ended right where they are, Peyton did help him a lot by just a few words, and being there, he still of course felt guilty about what happened, he still thought he should have seen it coming, however, her sincere reassurance that they are indeed in this together managed to magically make things better, and the fact that he was as relaxed as he was right now just sitting opposite to her like that almost brought him even more guilt; he shouldn't be enjoying his night as calmly when he just led employees to lose their jobs.

But, yet again, how could he not?

"A Christmas tree would complement this fireplace." Her sleepy voice pulled him out of his thoughts as he looked at her to see her eyes closed looking so peaceful while she made no other attempt of a conversation that he wondered wither she was even awake or sleep-talking.

Either way, it was adorable, and it had him thinking about what she just said. She just said she wants a Christmas tree next to his fireplace. He doesn't know if any talking is necessary after what they have already shared, at this point he was pretty sure talking is just finalizing things, crossing T's and doting I's of what is already clear.

He watched her sleeping for a while and when she made no indication she'd be waking up soon, he thought he should at least let her sleep in a more comfortable position, and before really thinking it through, he stood up, put a hand under her and another behind her back ready to carry her upstairs while she curled against his chest, "I could swear you're awake and only enjoying the ride." He whispered as he made his way to the upper floor.

He fought the urge to bring her to his bed instead, but no, he wouldn't do that, not when they hadn't talked yet, even though he thinks it's just a formality, so, he carefully put her in her bed and pulled the cover over her body while she was still sleeping like a baby.

He knew she ought to have woken up but chose to ignore it and to enjoy the treat, he smiled at the thought brushing her hair away from her face and planted a kiss to her forehead, and then he found himself saying it to her sleeping form, "God, I love you."

He froze at what he just said and pretentiously awaited a reply, which of course never came because she was in fact sleeping. He found himself silently chuckling at his own actions, but, well, yeah, he loves her and he just let it blurt out, and he just knew that next time he's unable to keep it in he'd be looking in her green eyes.

As he went to his own bed, his mind kept replaying it and preparing the best scenarios to say it to her, while ignoring the paranoid part that wondered if she heard him and chose to pretend to be sleeping because she wasn't interested… because there's no way that would be it, right?

XxXx

After taking the day off to pull themselves together, they had to go back to reality the next morning as of holding a long tiring meeting with their lawyer exploring their options followed by making statements to their employees, it was a burden but one that had to be done.

Whitey then again summoned them for another meeting minus Larry, Dan, and Keith, he said he wanted to have a heat t heart conversation without the bother of them but of course he meant Dan and Larry specifically.

"So, what's next for you?" He asked.

They obviously didn't expect that question as they stayed silent and exchanged awkward looks.

The man raised his eyebrows, "I mean you're not going to stand in the middle of the road and cry forever, are you?" he said cynically.

"Of course not." Nathan frowned, "It's just… it's still new."

"So? Life goes on, you should have considered losing before it actually happened, and I don't take you for fools! Especially that you have families of your own," he said looking between Peyton, Lucas, and Nathan, and then turned to Brooke, "And I understand you're supporting yourself."

"I am." She nodded.

"Good. Then, what do you think you can find yourselves doing next?" He said and saw the now thoughtful looks on their faces, he let a smirk creep on his face before urging them furthermore, "I know your parents are rich, Brooke, but I also know you don't like relying on them… and you three," he turned to the others, "You, your uncle and your dads just lost your jobs… I mean I know Karen, Deb, and Haley will support you but that would be saying so much about the men of my family." He said earning smiles from them, "I mean I would drop out of a family of unemployed men!"

"Well…" Nathan cleared his throat, "I've been getting offers at coaching… but I never had the time to consider them."

"Coaching?" Whitey discarded, "You're not too old to play."

Again, Nathan was taken aback by it, "Well, yeah, but it's been long enough that no one will consider me now, especially that I took time off due to injury in the first place."

"Then prove that you're worthy of consideration, just like you worked to prove you're worthy of a chance with this company."

Nathan stopped to think for a while, "I don't know if that's possible…"

"It is if you want it to be… anyway, that's up to you, I'm simply stating my opinion." He offered a smile, "I personally think it was a shame you dropped the game for this shitty desk work." He told him before turning to the others, "Well, what about you? Any ideas what's your next step?"

"I know what Lucas should do." Peyton said giving him a meaningful look.

"And I know what you should do." He said mirroring her look.

"Well, that's cute, but care to share?" Whitey said.

"Peyton thinks I should get back to writing and I agree…" he said knowing where she was heading and she smiled at that, "And I think she should pursue what she came back determined to do."

"Which is?"

"Open an art gallery."

"That's what you wanted to do?" Brooke gasped.

"Actually yeah, I thought about it."

Brooke smiled and shook her head, "I can't believe you told him and not me."

"I'm her husband!" Lucas argued with Brooke who raised her eyebrows at him in a 'really?' form while he smirked knowing she can't come back with what she really wants to in front of Whitey.

"And I have been her best friend since before you could manage five seconds without fighting."

"You got people fighting over you, blondie." Whitey smirked.

"Oh, it's not necessarily over me, Lucas just likes to fight."

He protested while the rest of them laughed.

"Well, anyway, you seem to have got things to focus on which is good for you and sounds like a good plan." He told them finally, "What about you, pretty girl?" he turned to Brooke.

"Honestly, no idea." She said suddenly interested in her fingers.

"What are you talking about? You do have a dream." Peyton told her.

Brooke frowned, "What dream is it that I am not aware of?"

Nathan smirked, "Maybe carry on designing?"

"Start your own line?" Lucas added.

"See? Everybody knows." Peyton shrugged.

Brooke gave an awkward headshake, "But, those were just dreams."

"Why? You're a great designer."

"I am, but…"

"But what? If these knuckleheads can achieve resuming a basketball career, has an art gallery, and become a writer, then you could compete with Ralph Lauren or whatever big brand name out there these days." Whitey said pointing at them respectively as he spoke.

"It's insulting, but it's true." Nathan said and they agreed.

"Well…"

"Wrap it around your head, pretty girl. You're a talented designer. Don't let it go to waste." He said and she didn't reply but had her overwhelmed thoughtful face on, "Alright, now that you have some ideas about your future, you can get the hell out now, I have other things to think about." He said making it clear that the meeting was over, and by now, they were used to Whitey's attitude that they weren't even surprised at the sudden termination and only got up to leave.

"So, I have your back, and you get people to laugh on my behalf." Lucas whispered to Peyton as they walked out, "Nice, Sawyer."

"In my defense, I was stating a truth."

"You like to fight too."

"Yeah, but I wasn't back in there, was I?" she smirked and he shook his head,

"You still have to make it up to me." He shrugged.

"What? How?"

"That's for you to figure out."

"Lucas, your father asked for you. He wants you to see him." Lisa, his secretary –if he could still call her that- told him as he reached his office –if he could still call it that.

"I'll see you later then." He told Peyton, "Figure something out." He winked before heading towards Dan's office.

He knocked before entering to see his father there alone behind his desk looking over some papers, "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, come, sit down." He said putting the papers aside after organizing them. He looked at his son behind the desk, "I wanted to tell you that I was wrong."

Lucas frowned, "About what?"

"Not giving you a chance earlier."

Lucas had to admit he was fazed, "Wow, Dan Scott admitting he's been mistaken."

Dan gave a smile, "Don't push it now." He pointed a finger at him, "But, yeah, I was. You did a good job."

Lucas looked skeptical, "You're not going to say I should have done better or it was my fault?"

He shrugged, "What good is any negative talk right now? But, no, I think you did your best."

"I did."

"I know." He sighed, "And also, I know I've put a lot of burden on your shoulders, and Peyton's too. You had to go to extreme levels obviously to save a dying business. We put you two in the front row to receive the hits." He admitted again just when Lucas thought he was done being surprised for the day.

"That…"

"You don't have to say anything." He shook his head; if anything, Dan was never good at expressing or receiving emotions, or compliments, and so, he never really had them with his sons, especially not Lucas.

"But, it's all over now." Dan said while reaching for some papers, "Larry and I know we pressured you and Peyton a lot… so…" he said handing the papers over to him as Lucas took them with a frown.

"What's that?" He already had a hunch, but he needed to make sure, and of course, just one look at them, he was confirmed.

"Annulment papers. We know you've been eager to get out of this arrangement a long time ago, and we're sorry it had to go this long, Larry wanted to speak to you and Peyton too, but he had an errand to run, he will soon. And, if you want help in giving Whitey the idea it's not working, we could help, those papers are based on the ground of misunderstanding, all you have to do is…"

He could hear his father continuing to speak, but, honestly, he wasn't listening to a word. Annulment papers; it has been so long since he thought of getting out of this marriage, he honestly forgot that he was trying to start a relationship with the girl who is officially his wife. He forgot that they were now supposed to be ending things.

But, how can they end anything when they have barely started?

And say they both agree they want to start a relationship, where does being in fact married fit in the equation? Like yeah, they are, but it's a game, when talking about having actual feelings, marriage shouldn't be in the foreseeable future.

But, what? Should they sign the annulment papers and then start dating?

Man, this is so messed up!

XxXx

Peyton was home while Lucas was still out God knows where preparing a simple dinner. Funnily enough, she can't remember when she started referring to it as home.

She was almost done when the doorbell rang and she wondered where Lucas' keys were, because she obviously didn't expect the person standing on the other side of the door to be Jake.

"Jake." She said in obvious surprise.

"Hey, can I come in?"

"Um, yeah, sure." She took a side allowing him in, still in shock of his sudden appearance.

"Ah, you're cooking." He said smelling the familiar scent.

"Yup. Gotta eat." She said awkwardly.

Jake smiled sensing her nervousness, "Relax, Peyton, I'm not here for trouble." He reassured her as she looked at him questioningly and his eyes softened, "I heard what happened."

"Oh."

"I'm sorry."

She shook her head, "Don't be. It is no one's fault."

"Still. I know it's a big deal, to all of you."

"Yeah." She wasn't about to argue that.

"Are you okay? Is there anything I can do?"

She offered a genuine smile, "No, there's not, thank you though, Jake."

"If it's any help, Nikki has been giving me a hard time too." He said and she smiled, her nerves calming down as she got more comfortable in her seat looking at him.

"Still?"

"Yeah, really, I'm only taking it for Ginny."

"I know. She'll come around… just give her time."

"I give her nothing but time." He sighed.

"Well, maybe you should give her more than that?"

"What?"

She shrugged, "I don't know, Jake, maybe she thinks you are not bearing as much responsibility as her, maybe she thinks you just came to take Ginny's love for nothing."

"But, that's not true."

"Then let her know."

He thought for a minute before shaking his head with a smile, "You're something else, Peyton Sawyer. I came here to see if you need anything, and it turned around that you're the one giving me advice… like usual."

"Yeah, there's a reason I'm awesome." She chuckled.

He laughed before checking his watch and getting up, "Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I'm here for you."

"Thanks, Jake, it's good to be able to talk to you again." She said standing up as well.

He shook his head, "Always." He said and she offered a smile; she was really glad that things between them were able to go back to being friends, it was seriously beyond her dreams, she thought this relationship would remain ruined forever.

But, then he went ahead and did the unthinkable, out of nowhere as she was smiling up at him and he was smiling back, he pushed forward meeting her lips.

XxXx

Lucas has decided a conversation better take place sooner rather than later, he realized that their situation held a lot of aspects, there was the lie they lied to Whitey, there was a fake marriage turned official, there was their family and friends knowing it is supposed to be a fake relationship, and there finally was their own hidden feelings that are yet to be revealed in the open, which was what really mattered, and once it's said and settled, they will figure out what to do about the rest of the issues.

So, he was driving home, with a bouquet of roses determined to have the talk tonight, after all, they have postponed it enough already.

And hopefully, he will get her to hear what he said to her while she was sleeping just the other night.

He parked in front of his house and took a deep breath looking at the flowers next to him with the papers his father handed him earlier shaking his head at the irony of the situation; 'hey, honey, I brought you flowers, and oh, these are our annulment papers, and by the way, I love you'.

Such bullshit!

However, apparently, fate had a better idea of irony, because as he looked towards his house from his position behind the wheel, there through the window, he saw her and Jake locking lips.

Yup, that was her, those are her blonde curls, and that's her petite body he knew all too well, and that is definitely her ex-boyfriend Jake, the one she sat and told him how much of a disaster their relationship was.

And she was kissing him.

In his living room.

While he was sitting out there watching with the flowers he brought her beside him.

He seriously thought this time that he was done getting surprised! And he seriously thought his life can't get any worse, but apparently both things were easily possible.

It was a matter of seconds but it passed like decades, as he watched until the kiss was over and she was looking up at Jake apparently attempting to talk; well, he's not about to stay and watch her talk to her ex instantly when their own supposed conversation was postponed repeatedly to a time that was yet-to-be-determined.

He drove off running away for the meantime.

XxXx

"Jake," she pulled away taking a step back, "What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry, did I… did I misread things?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed, "What was even there to misread?" she couldn't understand what he just did; one second, he was her friend who was there to check up on her and leaving then the next he's kissing her?

"Oh, shit! I'm sorry, Peyton, I just… I just thought…" he closed his eyes in realization; "You're into him, aren't you?" he looked at her apologetically.

She was taken aback, and she was confused and defensive, "Not that it's any of your business… but, yes!"

"I'm sorry, Peyton, really." He shook his head, "I thought it's nothing, that you're just getting along as friends, I must have gotten it wrong."

"Yes, you did, Jake, what could have possibly gave you any ideas?"

He gave her an apologetic regretful look, "That's what Lindsey told me when she-"

"Wait, what? Lindsey? You talked to Lindsey?"

"We uh, we ran into each other last night." He told her, "She's the one who told me about the company… she said Lucas was devastated."

"Lucas? She saw Lucas?"

"I… I don't know exactly what happened." He said sensing he was getting into a dangerous area that was none of his business. He thought he was causing enough trouble as it is.

"What did she tell you exactly?"

"Peyton, I don't know, I obviously took the wrong-"

"Jake, please!"

He sighed, "Not much really, um, like I said, she told me about the company, and she said it came out as a shock even to her, um, something about not being on good terms with Lucas lately but that he seemed devastated yesterday when he told her…"

Peyton's eyes darkened. When he told her? Was that where he went when he left the company? When he told her he wants to be alone?

"And… she talked about me? Me and Lucas?"

Jake looked uncomfortable, "Well, last time I saw you, I picked up on something between you two, but, I didn't say anything to her, however, when she said I should probably call you, I said we're over, and…" he trailed off.

"And what, Jake?" she was definitely turning red.

"Peyton, I told you I most likely mistook what she said anyway."

"Just tell me."

He groaned uneasily, "She said something along the lines of if I'm worried about you and Lucas then I shouldn't be because you're just friends."

"Lucas told her that?"

"I don't know…" he shook his head.

"Jake!"

"I really don't know, Peyton!" he promised and she frowned. "Peyton, I'm so sorry." He said sincerely, but she was already in a world of her own running thoughts,

What the hell does this mean now? Did Lucas really go see her yesterday? So, when she was worried about him and crying alone in his kitchen he was making peace with her? No, turning to her in his time of need. And there she was thinking he was somewhere out there alone. How naïve!

But, he kissed her last night. And, he set up this comfy fireplace sitting. Alright, scratch that, they just went through the process of saving the company together, he seemed happy to have her by his side, cover for him and help him. Okay, scratch that too, they slept together, they may have been slightly drunk, but she remembers it very well, and she knows he does too, and moreover, they most definitely weren't drunk the next morning when they were ready for a second go… both of which were initiated by him.

Was she just her husband's one night stand until he makes peace with his girlfriend?

This just can't be true. There needs to be something that she doesn't understand.

Right?